Who's the best? Messi or Ronaldo?

With three goals so far and some dazzling displays, Cristiano Ronaldo is shaping up to be the player of the tournament at Euro 2012, despite a slow start. Nevertheless, for many he's still in the shadows of Argentina's Lionel Messi.

Both players have failed to achieve major honors at international level with their countries. Ronaldo was a runner-up with Portugal at Euro 2004 and Messi led Argentina to titles at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship (for players under 20) and the 2008 Olympics. Messi has won the Champions League three times (2006, 2009 and 2001), while Ronaldo has won it once (2008.)

Messi or Ronaldo?

Head-to-head, Messi just shades it in terms of goals.

Here is a breakdown of both players' goal-scoring records over the last five years, including appearances in the domestic league, domestic cup, international club competitions and for the national team.


LIONEL MESSI:

2011/12: Matches: 69, Goals: 82
2010/11: Matches: 66, Goals: 57
2009/10: Matches: 60, Goals: 48
2008/09: Matches: 70, Goals: 43
2007/08: Matches: 41, Goals, 17
TOTAL: 247 goals in 306 matches
AVERAGE: 0.81 goals per match.

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CRISTIANO RONALDO:

2011/12: Matches: 65, Goals: 66
2010/11: Matches: 62, Goals 59
2009/10: Matches 43, Goals 34
2008/09: Matches 63, Goals 27
2007/08: Matches 66, Goals 51.
TOTAL: 237 goals in 299 matches.
AVERAGE: 0.79 goals per match.